09/07/2026
Utah’s Kihei Akina finished his first Walker Cup with a 1-1-1 record, earning 1½ points for Team USA at Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland.
The Alpine, Utah, product helped Team USA with a 4 & 3 Sunday foursomes victory alongside Jay Leng Jr. before halving his singles match with Niall Shiels Donegan.
“I’m proud of the way I handled myself in all the conditions,” Akina said. “I’m also proud of the way our team fought throughout the tournament. It was an unforgettable experience, and it was an honor to represent the United States.”
Great Britain & Ireland went on to claim the 2026 Walker Cup 13.5 - 12.5 but Akina returns with his own place in Utah golf history. He is just the second Utah-raised golfer to represent the USA in the Walker Cup, joining Salt Lake City native George Von Elm, who played on U.S. teams in 1926, 1928 and 1930.
📸: United States Golf Association The Walker Cup